Destinations / Guatemala
Driving in Guatemala as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Guatemala accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Guatemala expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police), 123 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in GTQ. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| After dark | Avoid night driving outside cities. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Speed | Topes (speed bumps) frequent in towns. |
On the road in Guatemala
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina regular, super and diesel by the US gallon at roughly Q38-45 per gallon; major branded stations on the CA-1/CA-9 take Visa/Mastercard and cash, but carry quetzales for rural pumps.
After a crash
Call 110 (PNC police) or 1554/PROATUR tourist assistance; do not move the vehicles and wait for authorities, as in serious or injury crashes all involved drivers can be detained until fault is established.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · livinginguatemala.com · livinginguatemala.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Guatemala?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Guatemala accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Guatemala accept?
Guatemala recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Guatemala ask for one?
Guatemala City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.